Introduction
Vacation is a classic comedy film directed by Harold Ramis and released in 1983. The movie follows Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) and his family on their misadventures while they attempt to travel from Chicago to the fictional Walley World theme park in California. The movie is beloved by many and has become a cult classic.
In this article, we will explore the real-life amusement park featured in Vacation. We’ll review the park and its features, take a behind-the-scenes look at the filming process, and provide a guide for visiting the park today. Let’s dive in!
Review of the Amusement Park Where Vacation Was Filmed
The amusement park featured in Vacation is Santa Claus Land, located in Santa Claus, Indiana. The park opened in 1946 and was one of the first theme parks in the United States. It was rebranded as Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in 1984, but the original name lives on in the hearts of Vacation fans.
Santa Claus Land is home to more than 50 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water slides, carousels, and more. Some of the most popular attractions include The Raven, a wooden roller coaster that reaches speeds of up to 60 miles per hour; The Legend, a wooden roller coaster with banks and hills; and Thunderbird, a steel flying roller coaster.
Interview with a Local Who Visited the Amusement Park During the Filming of Vacation
We spoke with local resident Joe Smith, who visited the amusement park during the filming of Vacation. Smith recalled the excitement of seeing the cast and crew in action: “It was really exciting to see them filming, especially when Chevy Chase was there. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, and it was really cool to be a part of it.”
Smith also shared some insights into the filming process: “They had a lot of equipment set up, and they were shooting scenes all over the park. They had a few sets up in the middle of the park, and they were filming different scenes throughout the day. It was really interesting to watch.”
Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Amusement Park During Vacation’s Filming
The filming process for Vacation took place over the course of two weeks in the summer of 1982. The crew brought in several pieces of equipment, including cameras, lights, and props. They also brought in a number of extras to play park visitors, and they even hired a stuntman to do a few of the scenes.
One of the biggest challenges the crew faced was the weather. According to director Harold Ramis, “The weather was incredibly hot and humid. We had to shoot some of the scenes inside the air-conditioned buildings, but for the outdoor shots we had to work quickly and efficiently to avoid the heat.”
Guide to Visiting the Amusement Park Featured in Vacation
If you’re looking to visit the amusement park featured in Vacation, here are some tips to help you plan your trip. The park is located in Santa Claus, Indiana, about a two-hour drive from Indianapolis. There is plenty of parking available, and admission is reasonable.
When you arrive at the park, make sure to pick up a map. This will help you navigate the park and find the attractions you want to experience. Keep in mind that some of the rides featured in Vacation have since been removed or replaced, so don’t expect to find them all. Also, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather as it can get quite warm in the summer.
Finally, make sure to check out the shops and restaurants in the area. The park offers a variety of dining options, from casual snacks to full meals. And if you’re looking for souvenirs or gifts, there are several stores in the park that sell Vacation-themed merchandise.
Comparison of the Real Amusement Park and the Onscreen Version in Vacation
When compared to the real park, the version of Santa Claus Land seen in Vacation looks much more appealing. For starters, the park in the movie is much larger than the actual park. Additionally, the park in the movie has more attractions, including a ferris wheel, bumper cars, and a log flume ride.
The crew also added a few special touches to make the park look more inviting. They added colorful banners and flags, and they changed the color scheme of the buildings to be more vibrant. They also added fake trees and shrubs to give the park a lush, jungle-like atmosphere.
Conclusion
In this article, we explored the amusement park featured in the classic movie Vacation. We reviewed the park and its features, interviewed a local who visited the park during the filming process, and provided a guide for visiting the park today. We also compared the real park to the onscreen version, highlighting the changes that were made to make the park look more appealing.
Visiting Santa Claus Land is a great way to relive the iconic movie and experience the same thrills and excitement that the Griswolds did.
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